Pantone, the international authority on color, has released what it’s Color of the Year for 2012, Tangerine Tango, a warm red-orange hue.  Like last year’s happy pink Honeysuckle, Tangerine Tango is vibrant, radiating energy.  It’s a little exotic, a little spicy, but definitely friendly and upbeat; this is an approachable shade of a color that can sometimes be off-putting in it’s brightness and visibility.  If you’ve been shying away from orange, definitely give this one a shot!   (more…)

Yes, you can wear white after Labor Day.  We’ve been over that before!  And no, it doesn’t just have to be “winter white.”  Bright white (with cool or blue undertones) is just as acceptable year round as shades of white with warmer, yellow overtones.  According to Elle magazine, white has been very popular this season.  White is great because it can be either simple or elegant; it’s so versatile!

If you doubt that there can be more than one kind of white, I dare you to find a wedding gown website.  Prepare to be boggled at the possibilities!  If you’re not sure what shade will look best on you, consider your skin tone.  ”Winter” and “summer” skin have cool tones, and look good with cool whites.  ”Autumn” and “spring” look better in warmer whites, like ivory. (more…)

Back in the day, when unusual furs, feathers, and other exotic animal decor were precious commodities, having a tiger-skin rug or an eagle-feather headdress were major status symbols.  If you had the skill or the money necessary to acquire them, then you got respect to go with it.  Nature has given us some of the most beautiful and interesting colors and patterns, which we borrow in order to beautify ourselves and our surroundings.  Fortunately, you don’t have to be a hunter to use the natural world for inspiration anymore.

The most popular animal prints are truly striking; leopard spots, zebra stripes, peacock feathers.  Tigers, cows, giraffes, snakes and more have lent their colors and patterns to apparel and accessories.   (more…)

Does it drive anyone else crazy to see people dressed all in black? Especially in the summer or at a wedding? I know it’s chic and slimming and whatever, but it’s also boring and depressing and hot!

Color psychology is the study of the effect that color has on mood, emotion, and even behavior. It’s sort of an alternative field of study used mostly by marketing and advertising departments and interior designers. According to experts, black does evoke style, power, and mystery – but it is also associated with death, formality, fear, evil, sadness, anger, and remorse. Too much black is overwhelming!Since today is the first day of summer, I feel obliged to point out that black absorbs heat more than any other color – and to better spot bugs, it is recommended that you wear light-colored clothing. Just something to keep in mind!

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